FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct 11, 2022

26 new AmeriCorps members will improve healthcare access in Baltimore as part of $2.3 million federal investment

BALTIMORE— AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, hosted a swearing-in ceremony for 26 AmeriCorps members serving in Baltimore Community Health Corps, a new Baltimore Corps program and inaugural Public Health AmeriCorps grantee. Over the next three years, Baltimore Corps will recruit and train a total of 80 members to serve as community health navigators to improve health outcomes for residents and bolster the public health workforce in Maryland.

Baltimore Community Health Corps, which recently received nearly $2.3 million in AmeriCorps funding, will provide holistic professional development through a healing-centered and trauma-informed approach in Baltimore city. AmeriCorps members will receive additional training opportunities including leadership development and technical skills training such as Clinical Nurse Assistant or Community Health Worker certifications.

During today’s event, AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith joined Rep. John Sarbanes (MD-03) and Fagan Harris, Baltimore Corps’ president and CEO, to swear-in the new cohort AmeriCorps members and celebrate their commitment to national service. Smith shared remarks about the importance of equitable health outcomes for all Americans and the goals for this new cohort.

“During your service experience, you will meet other like-minded people who have a deep commitment to public health,” said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “This commitment will open more doors to opportunity and fulfillment than you ever thought possible. Thank you for taking the AmeriCorps pledge and committing to improve health care access in underserved communities in Baltimore.” 

“As we rebuild our public health infrastructure and address the health care worker shortage, programs like the Baltimore Community Health Corps help achieve a high-quality health care delivery system for all Americans,” said Congressman John Sarbanes (MD-03). “I’m pleased that the American Rescue Plan, which I voted to pass, has provided AmeriCorps with the resources to launch this and other new innovative approaches to recruiting and training the public health leaders of the future. I applaud Public Health AmeriCorps and its 26 new members for committing to service in underserved communities across Baltimore.”

“Health outcomes are deeply related to our overall social and care infrastructure, and we must understand that improving Marylanders’ health also improves our ability to prosper across all sectors from our economy to civic participation, education and beyond,” said Fagan Harris, Baltimore Corps President and CEO. “We are proud that Baltimore Community Health Corps members will be part of closing health care equity gaps in Maryland. At Baltimore Corps, we believe the best way to solve our problems is to make our people, especially those most directly impacted by social systems, part of the solutions. Thanks to our partners at AmeriCorps and the leadership of Rep. Sarbanes, together we can positively impact communities in Baltimore and across our state for generations to come.”

In April 2022, Public Health AmeriCorps awarded more than $60 million to 82 programs across the nation which are actively recruiting more than 3,000 full and part-time national service positions. This program will continue to grow over the next four years and organizations can apply to 2023 grants through Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2023. 

AmeriCorps members serving with Baltimore Community Health Corps will commit to a 10-month period and receive a $30,000 living allowance as part of a benefits package which also includes health care and a monthly public transportation pass. Find open AmeriCorps member opportunities and learn more about serving with Public Health AmeriCorps at Americorps.gov/publichealth.

Inaugural Public Health AmeriCorps cohort in Baltimore
Inaugural Public Health AmeriCorps cohort in Baltimore
Rep. John Sarbanes (MD-03), AJ Pearlman, Michael D. Smith, and Fagan Harris

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 250,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/serve.

Baltimore Community Health Corps is a new paid service-learning opportunity operated by Baltimore Corps to recruit, train, and develop 80 AmeriCorps members to serve as Community Health Navigators. The new AmeriCorps program will provide holistic professional development through a healing-centered and trauma-informed approach for individuals interested in improving health outcomes in Baltimore City. AmeriCorps members will serve with Baltimore-based public health organizations and agencies. In this first cohort, Baltimore Community Health Corps members will serve with our partners: Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc.; Ascension Saint Agnes Hospital; Moveable Feast; and the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement. Learn more at https://www.baltimorecorps.org/bchealthcorps.

About Baltimore Corps
Baltimore Corps’ mission to advance social innovation and a citywide agenda for equity and racial justice in Baltimore City. Each year, Baltimore Corps qualifies and prepares over 2,500 adults and youth for full-time (entry-level to executive) opportunities in service, social entrepreneurship, and the broader labor market. Learn more at www.baltimorecorps.org.